WINCHESTER, Va. --- Shenandoah University is excited to announce the addition of men's volleyball as its 23rd intercollegiate sport. The team will begin competing in the 2025-26 academic year, following the appointment of the program's first head coach.

The addition reflects Shenandoah's commitment to providing increased opportunities for student-athletes. 

"Adding men's volleyball aligns with our mission to provide diverse and dynamic experiences for our student-athletes," said Assistant Vice President and Athletic Director DeShon Foxx, M.S. This is an exciting time for Shenandoah athletics."

University President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., praised the addition, stating, "Men's volleyball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and we are thrilled to join the momentum. This new program will not only enhance our athletic offerings but also bring additional opportunities for student engagement and community support." She added, "The decision to add men's volleyball reflects our university's strategic goals to expand athletic opportunities while fostering an inclusive, competitive environment."

The Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) recently announced the launch of men's volleyball as its 26th sponsored sport beginning in the 2024-25 season. Shenandoah will become the ninth ODAC institution to sponsor the sport, joining Averett, Bridgewater, Eastern Mennonite, Lynchburg, Randolph, Randolph-Macon, Roanoke, and Virginia Wesleyan.
"Men's volleyball is a perfect fit for Shenandoah and the ODAC," said Foxx. "We look forward to fielding a competitive program and providing student-athletes with the chance to excel at a high level both on and off the court."

Home matches will take place in the James R. Wilkins Jr. Athletics and Events Center, a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as an exciting venue for athletes and fans alike.

Men's volleyball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with 132 NCAA Division III schools currently supporting programs. In addition, the sport is expanding rapidly at the high school level, with more than 60,000 student-athletes competing across 2,500 high schools nationwide.

This growth highlights the increasing popularity and demand for collegiate men's volleyball, making Shenandoah's addition of the sport a timely and strategic move.  Shenandoah invites qualified candidates to apply for the position of head coach and to help build this program from the ground up. Interested applicants can learn more about the opportunity on the university's website.